Do you (a non-Christian) think Catholicism is cool?

Question

I really do. Not the old Catholicism when they used to kill people, the recent version.

If I was a Christian, I would be a Catholic, and here's why:

They have gorgeous buildings and decorations. It really makes it feel holy inside, because they make their buildings with all their best stuff like it's something really special and sacred.

They still use a lot of old school universal worship stuff like incense. It really sets the mood for a spiritual experience.

There is a lot of ritual which also really sets the mood for a spiritual experience.

Every Catholic Church I've ever gone into has a magical feeling. It would be cool if you wanted to meditate to just go hang out there.

Catholicism teaches good morals and enchorages spiritual experiences, but it's more laid back in a lot of ways. Like if you need help with something, you can receive council from the priest, but mostly it's just like a reminder to be spiritual. Also Cathlolics have never tried to convert me.

Some cool protestant churches are really similar in the old customs. There's an episcopal church I'm really fond of that is similar to what I've described.


Oh, and Atheists, I love you since we see eye to eye on so much, but please don't just post a bunch of answers about how any time spent worshipping is dumb or whatever.

Answer 1

I'm with ya on most of this. I dig the big gothic structures too(designed and built to intimidate) , and the rituals are just creepy enough to make you think they're real.

You have to love the costumes, too. Brightly-colored robes, big hats, big sticks. It's like halloween every weekend.

Similarly, the mosques, hindu temples, and buddhist temples I've been fortunate enought to visit have a similar vibe. The art is amazing, and it's almost always placed at a level over your head so you must look up to see it. Impressive psychology there!

The ancient tales and the art that accompanies them truly represents the era in which it was created. The rennaissance works of christianity are quite impressive- especially the impressions of hell. Lots of creativity!

In a similar fashion, the east asian art is also incredible. My favorite though is the vivid hindu art, sharing all the stories and myths about all their gods. The mix of human and animal forms, the addition of arms when needed, and the striking colors are unforgettable. There's always a nice sense of symmetry in it, too. That adds lots of balance.

I think my lack of religious belief helps me appreciate the art even more, since I can look at it without internal protest or strife. It's simply art, and it's awesome!

Answer 2

I am an atheist who was raised Catholic, so I think I can speak to what you are talking about. Having been raised Catholic, I know a lot of the customs and traditions that differ from other Christian denominations.

Catholicism might be "cool" if you are looking to convert to Christianity and find moral, spiritual, and emotional consolation in a Catholic church, just as any other positive experience with a Christian church can.

How Catholicism differs from other denominations is really only in specific Christian doctrine. Catholics believe, for example, that the bread and wine literally transform into Jesus's body and blood during Mass (transubstantiation). They also worship Mary more than most other denominations.

You mention the churches. It is true, there are a lot of beautiful architecture and art in Catholicism, but be aware that that is because art was primarily funded by religion back during the Renassaince. Michaelangelo was able to create art because he was funded by religion, etc.

Also, there are modern Catholic churches as well. Certain churches are abandoned, and others are built. The most popular Catholic church in my area is a modern building, while the older churches have less attendees.

The "laid back" morals of Catholicism you find, you will find in other denominations as well. And in some other Catholic churches, you may find more strict conservative values. It depends on the church, community, and diocese.

But please be aware that you can find moral, spiritual, and emotional consolation from non-Catholic, non-Christian, non-religious institutions, too.

Answer 3

Whenever I see a church that is all tricked out like a whore on a Friday night, I think of all the poor people who either believed in this crap and gave money willing at the risk of their own family's well-being.

Ritual is the further numbing of people's minds to what is going on around them. I don't think there's anything "magical" about being in a building whose only function is to make a handful incredibly rich at the cost of the very people who can least afford it. If that's your idea of feeling special then you may need to stay in one of those evil, vile buildings and reflect on all the corruption that went into its construction. And for what end? There is no god.

Answer 4

Yes, Catholicism is my favorite brand of Christianity. It's very Gothic. Some of my favorite bands like Evanescence and Dream Theater use Catholic references in their songs that add to the mystical aspects of Catholicism in a dramatic way.

Answer 5

I respect the art, but not the religion... Catholicism has way too many problems for my taste, however I respect those who choose it as long as they don't use it (like some do) to spew their "non-judgemental" judgements... i.e. "love the sinner, hate the sin" garbage, and cease protecting the pedophiles, allowing them to be prosecuted for their offenses as the law demands, etc.

Having studied Catholicism, the history of it, the artwork in both Byzantine Rite and Roman, I know that it's designed as it is (i.e. smells and bells) to appeal to the senses and to generate a sense of awe and wonder, and to allegedly cause one to think of the "divine" and the "afterlife". Whatever works for others I suppose.

_()_

Answer 6

You have listed just some of the reasons I chose to be Catholic - it just feels right.

I have to agree with you about some Protestant churches - there is a very nice Presbyterian Church down the road that is very nice and "holy" feeling.

Answer 7

I am an Atheist, and my best friend is Catholic. He has never tried to convert me. I have been to his Church, and the Architecture is amazing.

Answer 8

I don't like the catholic church because of their beliefs, they believe that the bread literally turns into the flesh of christ when you eat it, and the wine blood. Catholics are messed up with their views they think it is up to a preacher to interpret the bible for them and forgive them and all that good stuff.And they think everyone is born under sin (the sin of adam) and that if a baby dies before babtism they go straight to hell.If you're looking for a church with beautiful buildings try the LDS church their temples are amazing.If i was going to join any church it would be them the book of mormon clearifies alot of confusing things that are in the bible.

Answer 9

I agree. The post-Vatican II RCC is okay with me. I wish the fundies would convert and save themselves.

Answer 10

I do not subscribe to any religion, but I agree that the buildings themselves are beautiful.